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In Pictures: The Mario Balotelli story

Despite the highs, lows and controversy, Balotelli has helped Italy to the cusp of international glory at Euro 2012.

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Former Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho and Mario Balotelli never saw eye to eye. Here they celebrate the 2010 Serie A title but times were tough. After one match, Mourinho said Balotelli (***)came close to a zero rating(***). Balotelli was also seen sporting an A.C. Milan jersey.
Published On 29 Jun 2012
Roberto Mancini, Mario Balotelli
Despite the players controversial past, Man City boss Roberto Mancini reunited with Balotelli in 2010, signing him for $28 million. His first year at City was dominated by red cards, goals and controversially saying he hadn(***)t heard of Jack Wilshere - a player he beat to Europe(***)s under-21 award.
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Wherever Mario Balotelli goes, fireworks usually follow. But sometimes they stay with him at home. The striker hit the headlines again in October 2011 when someone set off fireworks in his house the day before the Manchester derby.
Manchester City''s Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Manchester United during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester,
At that Manchester derby City thrashed United 6-1 at Old Trafford. Balotelli scored twice and famously revealed a t-shirt that said (***)Why always me?(***) As if you don(***)t know Mario!
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With Balotelli and Carlos Tevez in the ranks it hadn(***)t always been plain sailing for Roberto Mancini. But it all came good in the end when the players gave City their first top flight trophy in 54 years.
England v Italy - UEFA EURO 2012 Quarter Final
Balotelli scored a goal against Ireland but struggled against England at the Euros. He missed a host of chances but came good at the last hurdle, scoring Italy(***)s opening penalty in their quarter-final victory.
Italian forward Mario Balotelli takes hi
But it was the semi-final which saw Balotelli rise to new heights. He scored two goals and said it was the best night of his life. And that(***)s probably saying something...
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Italy''s players Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo hug Mario Balotelli after he scored a goal during a friendly soccer match against Poland at the Wroclaw Stadium
So what next for the enigma that is Mario Balotelli? A hat-trick in the final, a red card or something more controversial, the beautiful thing about the Italian is that anything is possible. Absolutely anything.